Service members testified, when they are working out-of-state and are called for jury duty, they often have to request personal time off work, pay for their own flights home, then still may not be selected for jury duty.
State representative Carol Glanville from Walker learned there was a breakdown in the exemption process.
“At the federal level if they request an exemption, they get it, no questions asked. Then each state has to institute that same process.
But Michigan didn’t offer that, until now. The new measure also exempts spouses of active-duty members.
“We don’t always think about them in the same way but they’re making the same sacrifices for our country, right? Especially when they are serving out-of-state or overseas.“
Members who would like to serve jury duty may still do so but Glanville says those in the United States Armed Forces are already dedicated to service and should not have to come home for jury duty when it creates a burden.
“The more we can do to support those families and just demonstrate our gratitude to our troops wherever they may be, the better.”
